We’re halfway through December. Go out and do something fun this weekend in Pittsburgh in between that holiday shopping frenzy. We’ve got a few choices.
Holiday tunes
Daniel Meyer will conduct the Mendelssohn Choir and Pittsburgh Symphony Pops in nine performances over two weekends. “Highmark Holiday Pops” starts Friday and continues through the weekend.
Broadway star Ashley Brown is the featured soloist.
Meyer has been leading Holiday Pops concerts for more than a dozen years, dating back to his years as a symphony resident conductor. Carols include “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” as well as “Sleigh Ride,” “Hallelujah” chorus from “Messiah” and “White Christmas.”
Brown, who will sing solos and with the Mendelssohn Choir, will close the first half performing some of her favorite Christmas songs that are from more recent decades rather than older traditions — “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Hard Candy Christmas,” Happy Christmas” and “Feliz Navidad.”
Details: pittsburghsymphonyassociation.org
The most wonderful time of the year starts this weekend with @Highmark Holiday Pops! → https://t.co/BsvrcMFwBE pic.twitter.com/oeBMIq1BSp
— Pittsburgh Symphony (@pghsymphony) December 11, 2019
Winter wonderland
Carnegie Museum in Oakland hosts a “Winter Wonderland” on Friday. Guests can see the Carnegie Trees, the 18th-century Neapolitan nativity scene and visit the galleries. You can screen-print cards, draw, dance and pose for photos. There will also a pajama party for children, where they are encouraged to wear their favorite winter pajamas and enjoy milk and cookies. There will be story time in the galleries.
Details: carnegiemuseums.org
Comedy central
John McIntire Dangerously Live Presents: “Bike Lane Bill and his Beard Comedy/Talk Show” on Saturday at Brillobox in Bloomfield. Join Mayor Bill Peduto, featured comedian Gab Bonesso, and columnist Tony Norman as host John McIntire celebrates the rule of Bill’s Beard. Bike lanes will, no doubt, be mentioned.
Details: www.facebook.com/events/2576855525739243/
Jingle Bell Run
Holiday costumes are encouraged for this festive race for charity. The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run on Saturday begins at 9 a.m. at Stage AE on the North Shore. Participants can run, jog or walk. The event, which includes 5K and 1K courses, helps raise money for the Arthritis Foundation.
Details: arthritis.org/pennsylvania
Art appreciation
The Associated Artists of Pittsburgh presents its December member exhibition “Off the Wall.” It opens Friday night at the Office of the Mayor, in the City-County Building, Downtown. There are also gallery hours Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
The exhibit features 41 artists’ works priced at under $300.
When a piece sells, it comes “off the wall.” Patrons are invited to take purchased works home with them — directly off the wall.
The Associated Artists of Pittsburgh has partnered with the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council’s Art on the Walls program for the exhibition.
Details: aapgh.org
